Experience the tradition of Imbuljuta tal-Qastan, the ultimate Maltese Christmas drink. Perfect for festive gatherings and cosy nights!
Ah, Christmas! That magical time of year when every corner of the house smells of pine and cinnamon, and even the most serious among us indulge in a bit of festive cheer.
Imagine this: you’re curled up by the Christmas tree, fairy lights twinkling, presents waiting to be unwrapped, and a warm, velvety mug of something divine in your hands.
Ladies and gentlemen, allow us to introduce the Imbuljuta tal-Qastan, Malta’s answer to hot chocolate with a heartwarming twist.
What Is Imbuljuta tal-Qastan?
The Imbuljuta tal-Qastan, or "chestnut and cocoa soup" for those trying to translate its charm into English, is a traditional Maltese Christmas drink. But let’s be honest—calling it soup feels like an injustice.
It’s more like a hug in a mug, brimming with chestnuts, cocoa, citrus zest, and warm spices that evoke all the feels of the festive season. Traditionally served on Christmas Eve, it’s as much a part of Maltese Christmas as turkey is in the UK.
Whether you’re Maltese or not, this drink is a festive game-changer. Imagine the combination of chestnuts’ nutty richness, the bittersweet depth of cocoa, and a citrusy zing—all coming together in a warm, spiced concoction. It’s like Christmas in liquid form.
The History Behind the Drink
The Imbuljuta tal-Qastan has been a staple in Maltese households for generations. It was traditionally served at midnight after Christmas Eve Mass, a warming reward for braving the winter chill.
The chestnuts, often considered a luxury, symbolised abundance and festivity, making this drink a cherished part of Maltese heritage.
Why You Should Try It This Christmas
Let’s face it: the holidays are hectic. Between shopping for gifts and figuring out how to cook a turkey that’s not as dry as last year, you deserve a moment of indulgence. The Imbuljuta tal-Qastan is more than just a drink; it’s a way to pause and savour the season.
Whether you’re Maltese or want to add international flair to your holiday menu, this drink is a must-try. It’s festive, unique, and traditional—a guaranteed conversation starter.
Why You’ll Love It
Why settle for store-bought sachets of hot chocolate when you can have this masterpiece? The Imbuljuta isn’t just a drink; it’s an experience. It’s the kind of thing you serve your guests to make them feel warm and fuzzy inside.
Add a splash of whisky or Baileys for an adult-friendly twist, and you’ve got a Maltese mulled wine.
Are you thinking of impressing your family and friends? This drink pairs beautifully with Christmas finger food recipes or even a Maltese charcuterie board featuring gbejna (Maltese cheese), sundried tomatoes, and bigilla (bean dip).
The Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to create your own Imbuljuta:
2 cups (350g) dried peeled chestnuts
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup cocoa powder
1 cinnamon stick
6 cloves
1.5 litres of water
1 tsp mixed spice
½ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
½ tsp ground cloves
Zest of 1 mandarin
Zest of 1 orange
1 tbsp cornstarch dissolved in ¼ cup cold water
Optional: 3 tbsp of coffee liqueur, whisky, rum, or Baileys
These ingredients work together to create a drink that’s as aromatic as it is delicious.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Your Chestnuts: Soak the dried chestnuts overnight. This ensures they soften and cook evenly.
Combine Ingredients: Drain the chestnuts and toss them into a large pot along with the water, cocoa, sugar, cinnamon stick, cloves, and citrus zest. Mix well.
Cook Slowly: Bring everything to a boil and then reduce to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about an hour, stirring occasionally.
Break It Up: Use a spoon to gently break up the chestnuts into smaller chunks. This creates a lovely, textured consistency.
Thicken It Up: Stir in the cornstarch mixture and let it cook for another 5 minutes, thickening the drink to your desired consistency.
Serve with Love: Ladle the drink into mugs, garnish with a sprinkle of orange zest, and serve warm.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Imbuljuta
Don’t Rush: The longer you let the chestnuts simmer, the better the flavours meld together.
Spice It Up: Adjust the spice levels to suit your taste. If you love cinnamon, add a pinch more.
Make It Boozy: Spike it with a splash of rum or Baileys for a festive treat if serving adults.
Pairing Ideas: Serve it alongside a plate of Maltese charcuterie board items or freshly baked almond biscuits for the ultimate Christmas spread.
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